[ Khara barely remembered what the old Inancha had been like at this point; this new one, Jebei II, as she'd dubbed her in her mind, is ruthless. Unyielding. Two traits Khara understood well. Years and years ago, she would have admired the girl before her, with her hardened resolve and even harder gaze. Years and years ago, Khara may very well have been her, content to be forged and used, if only because it meant she was accepted.

When Khara looks up to Inancha, her expression is one of deep, abiding sadness. The grip on her blade is slack as the other Au Ra moves to take it from her, and though her darkside flares, she makes no effort against Inancha. ]

... Broken? Perhaps.

[ Her eyes flutter shut as she sags, eyes falling upon the plated feet before her. She'd never been the mothering type, but even now, she wanted to protect Inancha. To shield her from whatever it was that she'd become, but...

If it was what she wanted, what more could Khara do?

As Inancha's hands prise the sword from her loose grasp, Khara's shoulders begin to shake with quiet laughter. This is all so fruitless. Why did she even deign to try? ]

At least, at the end of the day, I can go to bed as myself. I can wake up as myself, failure or no.

[ She lifts her gaze to Inancha's face again as a smile, soft and genuine, gracing her lips. ]

I know exactly where I stand and where I belong, darling. But can you say the same for yourself?